Furlough Rights: A Clear Guide to Your Entitlements

Explore Your Furlough Rights: Essential Information for Employees During the Pandemic

The UK Government established the Furlough Scheme as a crucial financial support mechanism aimed at safeguarding Furlough Rights throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, which escalated in March 2020. This initiative was specifically designed for individuals mandated to work from home, helping to mitigate the economic burden faced by employees unable to fulfill their job duties. Under this program, employers were obligated to temporarily relieve impacted staff from their roles, while the Government would subsidize 80% of their salaries or wages. Nonetheless, numerous individuals have shared experiences that starkly contrast with the scheme's intended benefits. As the UK endures a third national lockdown, many working mothers have encountered significant obstacles, particularly in having their furlough applications rejected, leading to severe financial strain and accumulating debt.

A recent survey conducted by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in partnership with parenthood advocate Mother Pukka has revealed alarming statistics regarding the experiences of working mothers during the current lockdown and school closures. This research aimed to shed light on the formidable challenges these mothers face while balancing work and childcare amidst ongoing restrictions. Over 50,000 mothers participated, with findings indicating that more than 70% of them had their furlough requests denied. This concerning trend highlights that an astonishing 78% of working mothers were never even presented with the furlough option, while 40% expressed confusion about their eligibility, particularly regarding how school closures affect their ability to work effectively.

The survey results underscore a troubling lack of awareness surrounding the furlough program among parents and caregivers. The Government has instituted provisions specifically for parents who are unable to work due to heightened caregiving responsibilities arising from the pandemic. This includes the right to request furlough if parental duties hinder their capacity to work remotely or necessitate a decrease in hours. Despite these provisions in place, many working mothers remain uninformed about their rights, highlighting a significant communication gap and outreach failure from both employers and the Government.

The Furlough Scheme was introduced to prevent a surge of layoffs and redundancies resulting from the pandemic's economic fallout. Originally set to conclude in April 2021, it has been extended several times to tackle the ongoing difficulties faced by employees, particularly those juggling childcare due to school closures. However, the TUC warns that many working mothers are not leveraging this support due to a lack of information regarding the furlough options available to them. This situation emphasizes the critical need for proactive measures to enhance awareness and utilization of this vital assistance.

Given the enduring challenges, the survey indicated that nearly all respondents reported increased anxiety levels during the lockdown, with 90% experiencing heightened stress. Almost half expressed fears that their parental status might result in workplace repercussions due to their childcare responsibilities. Many working mothers have resorted to using their annual leave to cope with childcare duties, while others have opted to reduce their working hours or even take unpaid leave. The financial implications of stepping back from work have left nearly half of the respondents anxious about their family’s financial security.

In response to these pressing issues, the TUC is advocating for enhanced protections for working mothers and others unable to work due to the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus. They are calling for the right to furlough to be extended to various groups, including those who are shielding and considered clinically vulnerable. Furthermore, the TUC emphasizes the necessity for employers to explore alternative solutions prior to resorting to furlough, such as adjusting working hours, providing paid leave, or enabling remote work options.

Key Recommendations for Empowering Parents' Furlough Rights

• The right to flexible working arrangements for parents
• Provision of ten days of paid carers’ leave for parents
• Increased sick pay aligned with the Living Wage to ensure financial stability during self-isolation
• Access to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme for newly self-employed parents

Effective Strategies for Working Parents to Protect Their Rights

As a working parent, it is essential to familiarize yourself with your entitlements under the coronavirus job retention scheme, as these may differ significantly from your usual rights. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the UK government website to stay informed about your rights during this unprecedented period.

Once you understand your rights, take the proactive step to engage in discussions with your employer about potential options. Exploring flexibility within your role can lead to beneficial solutions, such as reduced working hours, additional paid leave, or even the possibility of remote work or reassigning responsibilities to better accommodate your current circumstances.

The Treasury is urging employers to make equitable and responsible decisions, reminding them that they have the option to furlough employees who face childcare challenges due to school closures or those who are shielding from the virus. This call for accountability is essential to support working parents during these challenging times.